The tumultuous relationship between Dave Mustaine and Kirk Hammett, originating from Mustaine’s dismissal from Metallica and Hammett’s subsequent hiring, has been a notable aspect of heavy metal history.
Dustaine’s initial feelings of resentment towards Kirk Hammett were evident in various interviews, including his comments on Dave Navarro’s Spread TV, where he expressed his dislike for Hammett, feeling that he had usurped his position in the band.
This animosity was further fueled by Mustaine’s perception that Hammett gained fame using music he had initially written. Over time, however, the dynamic between the two guitarists evolved, especially after their bands’ joint performances at the ‘Big Four’ shows in 2010. A significant moment in their relationship occurred when Hammett invited Mustaine to play a guitar solo on stage during a performance of Diamond Head’s ‘Helpless,’ an event Mustaine recounted in an interview with Artisan News.
Despite the initial lack of coordination on stage, Dave Mustaine viewed this as a symbolic gesture, marking an improvement in their relationship. This thawing of tensions continued, with Mustaine joining Metallica onstage for their 30th-anniversary shows in 2011, where they performed songs from the ‘Kill ‘Em All’ album. Hammett later reflected on this performance as a healing experience for Mustaine.
In a more recent 2023 interview with Guitar Player, Dave Mustaine acknowledged that he had been too harsh on Hammett in the past, admitting that he often targeted him unfairly when feeling antagonized by other band members. He expressed gratitude for Hammett’s efforts to honor his original guitar solos in Metallica’s early songs.
Meanwhile, both Metallica and Megadeth have continued their successful careers in the music industry. Metallica released their eleventh studio album, ’72 Seasons,’ and embarked on a world tour to support it. Mustaine, on the other hand, prepared for a new tour with Megadeth, set to begin in April 2024 in Peru. This ongoing journey in their respective careers highlights the evolution of their relationship from rivalry to mutual respect.
I have tremendous respect for @KirkHammett and I appreciate his take on this. he is almost 100% accurate…almost. I wish him the best. https://t.co/qXld8u1bSQ
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) December 4, 2016
